Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
STARLINK-30874 (58227)
COSPAR: 2023-170X | Alt Name: Starlink 30874
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58227
International Designator
2023-170X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:41:28 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
169.33°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
264.16°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30874
Alternative Name
Starlink 30874
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58227U 23170X 26200.61213213 .00000043 00000+0 11068-4 0 9992
2 58227 43.0010 169.3256 0000981 264.1627 95.9113 15.27573993150478
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30874 is a communication satellite based on the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 40, on November 3, 2023, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-26-22
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 1 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the Space Force's AI integration, NASA's lunar nuclear reactor plans, ESA's Flight Ticket Initiative, Martian mantle revelations, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
SpaceX Launches Twilight Rideshare With 40 Payloads Including NASA Pandora | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches Twilight rideshare from Vandenberg carrying ~40 payloads including NASA's Pandora satellite. Kepler debuts 10 optical data relay satellites. OroraTech thermal sensors integrated.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
Artemis 3 Schedule Slips With No Mission Plan From NASA | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis 3 lunar landing mission schedule continues slipping over 2 months after revised plans announced, with no crew or surface activity details released publicly yet.
SpaceX Eyes $1.75T Valuation in $75B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets a $75B IPO valuing the company at over $1.75 trillion, while Falcon 9 chases its 200th drone ship landing at Vandenberg.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.